GB2503479A

GB2503479A - Telemetry device for a consumer unit

Info

Publication number: GB2503479A
Application number: GB1211459.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Woolridge; Mohabbat Ali
Original assignee: SMART INNOVATIONS GRID
Current assignee: SMART INNOVATIONS GRID
Priority date: 2012-06-28
Filing date: 2012-06-28
Publication date: 2014-01-01
Also published as: WO2014001814A2; GB201211459D0; WO2014001814A3

Abstract

A telemetry device for use in a consumer unit 1006 has at least one input channel arranged to receive electricity data, such as data from a meter relating to electricity consumption or generation at a local level, and at least one output channel arranged to transmit electricity data, e.g. by wireless communication to a remote server, wherein the device is configured to be mountable on a DIN rail 1004 of a consumer control unit of a distribution board. The telemetry device may form part of an energy management system in which the remote server may send instructions via a transceiver in the telemetry device to a local control device to control the amount of electricity input into or drawn from a local distribution network.

Description

Telemetry Device

Technical Field

The invention discussed herein relates to a telemetry device for use in a consumer unit and an energy management system to facilitate smart consumer metering and smart energy management.

Background to the invention

The electricity transmission grid in the UK comprises power generation stations and power substations which distribute power to end consumers. The flow of power is essentially one-way -i.e. power is distributed by distribution network operators (and independent distribution network operators) to end consumer homes and businesses.

Environmental and economic factors place smart grids at the forefront of energy management and distribution. This is because smart grids facilitate a two-way flow of information between power stations and end consumers and allow power generated at a consumer level by micro-generation systems (for example, home photovoltaic cells or local wind turbines) to be input to the grid. Smart grids more effectively distribute energy to meet growing local supply of, and demand for, power.

The emergence of smart grids is currently limited (at least in part) by energy management at a consumer level.

Existing "smart meters" record and display the amount of energy a consumer has used over a finite time period and may automatically communicate this information directly to a utilities service provider for billing and monitoring purposes. It is also known for the supplier to then provide the consumer with this information so they can monitor their own energy usage.

Krown "smart meters" have a number of drawbacks.

Smart meters are based on existing meters, and generally comprise a standard (e.g. electricity, gas or water) meter with an integrated communication device which transmits the meter reading to thc utilities provider. Installation of such smart meters involves replacing each of the existing meters with a new smart meter. This requires a significant amount of work, and takes a significant amount of time. It also involves disruption to the consumer's utilities because the meter sits in the power feed line, which therefore needs to be disconnected in order to replace the meter.

Further, there are significant limitations in the application of "smart meters" and use within the overall framework of smart grids. For example, known "smart meters" do not allow for the remote monitoring and control of locally generated electricity from micro-generation using renewable energy sources (such as domestic PV panels or wind turbines).

A further problem with the increased use of local and micro power generation is the amount of energy being fed into the grid. For example, on a sunny day many properties will be generating a significant amount of solar power which is fed into the grid. It is also envisaged that such properties will be consuming little power, as the occupants will be at work.

Therefore the situation arises whereby a net surplus of power is being fed into the local network. This can be problematic. It is not generally possible to feed electricity back into the national level grid from the local network. Thcrcforc a mainly residential network would experience a power surplus under these circumstances, leading to a voltage increase. DNOs have a responsibility to keep the voltage within a certain level to avoid damage to consumer equipment, and for safety reasons.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate the above problems.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a telemetry device, comprising at least one input channel arranged to receive electricity data, at least one output channel arranged to send electricity data, wherein the device is configured to be mountable on a mounting rail of a consumer control unit of a distribution board.

Advantageously, a telemetry device according to the first aspect of the invention can therefore be installed in residential and commercial properties easily and conveniently by utilising consumer control unit fittings. The electricity data output from previously installed mcters can be used as an input into the devicc, mitigating thc nccd to replace all thc meters with "smart meters".

For the avoidance of doubt, the term electricity data' means, inter alia, the following: data relating to the amount of electricity consumed by a property or by an electrical devices or groups of devices, data relating to the amount of electricity generated at a local level and fed back into the local grid, data relating to electricity tariffs or power quality, data specifying control instructions for controlling the amount of electricity input to a transmission grid from local electricity generation apparatus and data speci1iing control instructions for controlling the amount of electricity consumed by electrical devices or groups of devices.

Preferably, the dimensions and shape of the device are such that the device is configured to be mounted on a mounting rail adjacent to a miniature circuit breaker which is mountable on the mounting rail. This allows the device to occupy minimal space in a consumer unit and requires minimal modifications to the arrangement of consumer units. More preferably, the mounting rail is a DiN rail, which is the standard for most consumer units worldwide.

The DIN rail may be a DIN rail according to any of: EN 50022, EN50023 or EN50045, IEC 60715, German standard DIN 46277, or British Standard 5584, 5585 or 6273.

Preferably, the device comprises a modem arranged to decode data received by the device and encode data sent by the device. This allows the device (which processes digital data) to send data to a remote location and receive it from a remote location using an analogue signal.

The device is preferably configured to convert analogue data to digital data and back if required. Therefore many different types of meters can be used. Preferably, the modem is a GPRS quad band modem.

Preferably, the device comprises an antenna. This allows data to be sent and received to and from a remote location wirelessly.

The device preferably further comprises a front panel, wherein the front panel is arranged to face outwardly when the device is mounted on a mounting rail, and wherein the antenna is located proximate to the front panel of the device so as to mitigate siial interference. This maximises the quality of the antenna's signal.

Preferably, the device comprises a micro SIM card holder. This facilitates use of a micro SIM card within the device.

The at least one input channel is preferably arranged to receive electricity metering data from a metering device. The at least one output channel is preferably arranged to send electricity metering data to a remote server. Preferably the device is configured to encode the electricity metering data, and transmit it to an input channel of a remote server. This allows the device to send readings from residential or commercial electricity meters to a utilities service supplier.

Optionally, the at least one input channel is arranged to receive data indicative of generated or stored electricity from local electricity generation apparatus.

Optionally, the at least one input channel is configured to receive electricity data from a remote server. This allows data to be sent to the device from utilities providers to distribution network operators.

Preferably, at least one input channel is arranged to receive natural gas or water metering data. The device can therefore receive data from separate utility meters, which can be transmitted to the utilities provider.

Preferably, thc dcvicc comprises a microcontroller. More prcfcrably, the microcontroller is programmed to control consumption of clcctricity bascd on received electricity data. As such, the device can, on the basis of instructions or information received from a remote server, and/or on the basis of metering data, send control instructions to electrical devices or groups of devices or for mains signalling.

The electricity data may be tariff data, and the microcontroller may be configured to control electricity usage based upon a comparison of stored tariff information and the received tariff information. The data may be control data, and the microcontroller may be configured to control electricity generation from local electricity generation apparatus based on the received control data.

Optionally, the device comprises at least one interface which is configured to communicably connect the telemetry device with a second device mounted on a mounting rail of a consumer control unit. Preferably, the internal interface comprises a bus connector.

Preferably, the device further comprises an external interface suitable for connection to an external USM antenna.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device configured to be mountable on a mounting rail of a consumer control unit and communicably connectable to a telemetry device according to the first aspect. The device is preferably configured to interface with the telemetry device and to communicate therewith to provide supplementary functionality.

Optionally, the device comprises a battery, and switchablc mains AC control means for controlling fuse board rings, wherein the device is configured to provide an alert of critical mains failure.

Optionally, the device comprises an auxiliary power pack configured to provide power to sensors interfaced to one or more other units communicably connected to the telemetry unit.

Optionally, the device comprises a wireless interface configured to transfer data received via the wireless interface to a telemetry unit according to the aforementioned features.

Optionally, the device comprises a power line transmission hub configured to transfer data received via the power line transmission hub to the telemetry device having the aforementioned features.

According to a third aspect the invention, there is provided a consumer unit comprising a telemetry device according to the first and / or second aspect. Preferably, the consumer unit comprises a cover having an aperture, and wherein part of the device is exposed through the aperture.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy management system, compnsing: a local clcctricity generation system comprising at least one of: an electricity generation apparatus; and, a feed-in system for feeding electricity generated by a local electricity generation apparatus into a grid, a local control device arranged to communicate with the local electricity generation system and a remote server, wherein the control device is configured to receive instructions from the remote server and to control the local electricity generation system to control the amount of electricity input into the electricity transmission grid.

Advantageously, the fourth aspect provides true "smart grid" functionality. The aforementioned undesirable imbalance between electricity generated and consumed can be tackled by decreasing the local energy generation in the grid (i.e. electricity generated by consumers, using domestic generation apparams). This is system is primarily intended for the lowest level of grid network-i.e. below the last substation. In other words the grid is a domestic voltage grid (e.g. 240V in the UK, 1 bY in the USA) into which power is directly fed in, and consumed.

Preferably, there is provided a device according to the first aspect in which the input channel is configured to receive the instructions from the remote server, and the output channel is configured to provide a control signal to the electricity generation system. Advantageously, the system according to the third aspect becomes easy to install and implement throughout a local network of hundreds, or thousands, of homes.

Preferably the remote server is configured to issue instructions to reduce the amount of electricity fed into the grid responsive to a grid overload condition. The local control device may achieve this by: (i) controlling the amount of electricity produced by the electricity generation apparatus (e.g. activating a brake on a domestic wind turbine), or, (ii) controlling the amount of electricity transmittcd to the grid by the feed-in system (e.g. by breaking the feed-in circuit).

The electricity generation apparatus may comprise a domestic solar panel or a domestic wind turbine.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling &ectricity generation, comprising the steps of: monitoring the condition of an electricity generation grid in which electricity is both consumed and locally generated, in response to an overload condition of the grid, transmitting data from the remote server to a local control unit associated with a local electricity generation system to reduce the electricity fed into the grid.

Preferably the method comprises the steps of: monitoring electricity used in the grid, monitoring electricity fed into the grid by local electricity generation, identi'ing a grid overload condition as a predetermined surplus of generated electricity input into the grid as compared to electricity used from the grid.

More preferably, the method comprises the steps of: monitoring the local output voltage of the grid, identi'ing a grid overload condition as a rise in the output voltage of the grid above a predetermined level.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an energy management system, comprising: a local electricity consumption system comprising at least one of: an electrically powered device; and, a local electricity supply system configured to supply electricity to an dectrically powered device from a grid, a local control device arranged to communicate with the local electricity consumption system and a remote server, wherein the local control device is configured to receive electricity data from the remote server and to control the local electricity consumption system to control the amount of electricity drawn from the electricity transmission grid.

Like the fourth and fifth aspects, the sixth aspect provides true "smart grid" flinctionality.

The aforementioned undesirable imbalance between electricity generated and consumed can be tackled by increasing the local energy consumption in the grid (i.e. electricity used by consumers). This is system is primarily intended for the lowest level of grid network-i.e. below the last substation.

Preferably, there is provided a device according to the first aspect in which the input channel is configured to receive the electricity data flx,m the remote server, and the output channel is configured to provide a control signal to the electricity consumption system.

Preferably the remote server is configured to issue instructions to increase the amount of electricity drawn from the grid responsive to a grid overload condition. The local control device may achieve this by: (i) controlling the amount of electricity consumed by the electrically powered device, or, (ii) controlling the amount of electricity drawn from the grid by the local electricity supply system.

In the latter case, the local electricity supply system may comprise a smart socket configured to receive a domestic plug.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling electricity generation, comprising thc steps of: monitoring the condition of an electricity generation grid in which electricity is both consumed and locally generated, in response to an overload condition of the grid, transmitting data from the remote server to a local control unit associated with a local electricity generation system to increase the energy drawn fixm the grid.

Preferably the method comprises the steps of: monitoring electricity used in the grid, monitoring electricity fed into the grid by local electricity generation, identif5ring a grid overload condition as a predetermined surplus of generated electricity input into the grid as compared to electricity used from the grid.

Preferably the method comprises the steps of: monitoring the local output voltage of the grid, identifying a grid overload condition as a rise in the output voltage of the grid above a predetermined level.

The electricity data may be tariff data, and the local control device is configured to increase electricity consumption as the cost of electricity decreases. This allows the DNO to control energy consumption and overload and also saves the consumer money by only utilising energy when it is cheapest. The system may be configured to switch from one utility (e.g. gas to heat water) to electricity, when the price per unit is favourable.

Brief description of the drawings

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a telemetry unit according to an embodiment; Figure la is a front view of the unit as shown in Figure 1 inside a typical consumer unit; Figure lb is a side view of the unit as shown in Figure 1 inside a typical consumer unit; Figure 2 is a front view of thc unit as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an outer side view of the unit as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagram of a power supply printed circuit board of the unit according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a diagram of a communications printed circuit board of the unit according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is a front view of a unit according to an embodiment connected to six slave units; and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a smart energy system.

Detailed description

Consumer control units of distribution boards typically house a number of miniature circuit breakers (MCBs). Modem consumer units comprise a mounting rail to which the miniature circuit breaker arc relcasably attached. A DIN rail has been widely adoptcd as the mounting rail in a consumer unit and allows MCBs to be easily and securely mounted next to each other via releasable snap-fit engagement portions on the MCB housing.

Known MCBs comprise a main housing portion which is generally rectangular. On a rear side of the main housing portion there is provided the attachment formation for the DIN rail.

On the front side of the main housing portion, at opposite ends, there are provided connections for the circuit in question. Projecting between the connections from the main housing portion there is provided a rectangular front section comprising a front panel having a trip switch mounted thereon.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a telemetry unit 110. Per the aforementioned MCB, the unit 110 comprises a main housing portion 1000 which is generally rectangular in shape. The housing portion 1000 comprises a rcar panel 112 with brackets 111, 113 for attachment to a DIN rail.

A front section 1002 is shown, projecting from the main housing opposite to the brackets 111, 113, the front section 1002 defining a front panel 118. External input interfaces 114, 115, 116, 117, 119 and 120 are provided either side of the front section 1002 and comprise clamp screw formations which face outwards in the same direction as front panel 118.

Turning to Figures Ia and ib, per the trip switch of the MCB, the front panel 118 is exposed when the unit 110 is installed on a DIN rail 1004 of a consumer unit 1006 having a cover 1008. Brackets 111, 113 facilitate secure mounting on a DIN rail of a consumer unit and are flexible, resilient portions projecting from a recessed C' portion which is configured to receive the DIN rail 1004. Unit 110 can be retrofitted into consumer units currently installed or can bc installcd in a new consumer unit such that thc consumer unit is supplied with unit installed. The unit 110 can also be installed in a photo voltaic consumer units.

As will be appreciated from Figure 1, the shape and dimensions of unit 110 facilitate attachment to a mounting rail on which a standard miniature circuit breaker is attached so that the unit 110 lies adjacent to an MCB. However, it will also be appreciated that the unit 110 may also be attached to a mounting rail alongside other non-standard MCB's which also encompass the DIN rail mount technology. As such, the unit 110 can be installed into any existing or new MCB installations. In an alternative embodiment, the device housing has mounting screw holes to allow the device to be mounted using bracket and screw fittings within a MCB consumer unit which does not encompass a DIN rail. The dimensions and shape of unit 110 may vary from that shown in Figure 1 depending on the shape and form of different consumer units and DIN rails.

As can be seen from Figure 2, because the profile of the unit 110 is stepped' between the main housing portion 1000 the smaller front section 1002, when installed in a consumer unit, the panel 118 is exposed. This allows access to a switch (described below) and visibility of status lights. Additionally exposure of panel 118 optimises the antenna's signal since it is unobstructed by the housing of the consumer unit or MCBs installed in the consumer unit.

The unit 110 comprises at least one input channel which can receive electricity data, such as metering data from a domestic electricity meter or tariff data from a utilities provider, or data indicating the amount of electricity generated locally, from domestic apparatus. Additionally, the unit 110 also comprises at least one output channel which can send electricity data to a remote server, such as metering data or data indicating an amount of electricity generated locally.

Figure 2 is a front view of unit 110 showing front panel 118 and interfaces 114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 121 and 122. Figure3 isasideviewofunit 110 and shows bracket 111, 113, rear panel 112 and front panel 118. Each of the interfaces 114, 116 and 117 provide a configurable non-AC input channel which can receive metering data from external water, gas or electricity meters. For a digital input, one or more of the interfaces 114, 116 and 117 detects a change of state of a digitized meter connected to the unit 110 via the interface. For a pulsed input, one or more of the interfaces 114, 116, 117 counts change of state of a utility meter connected to unit 110 via the interface. For an analogue input, one or more of the interfaces 114, 116, 117 receives a scaled voltage input from analogue sensors such as temperature sensors or 4-2OmA conditioned sensors for different types of transducers.

The unit 110 can be configured to receive three digital inputs, three analogue inputs, three pulsed inputs, or a combination of any three inputs. The configurable inputs therefore allow the unit to monitor analogue and digital switching signals and receive metering inputs suitable for a range of different buildings and environments to which use differing meter types and to which different utilities or combinations of utilities are supplied.

Each interface comprises an analogue-to-digital converter having input of 0-by DC/4-20 mA for full scale range, a resolution greater than an 8-bit analogue-to-digital conversion and an input impedance of I OKohms. Each digital input can be configured to be active high / low, and each input has maximum input voltage for the on' state of 30V DC, a minimum input voltage for on' state of greater than 2.5V DC, and a maximum input voltage for off state of less than lv DC. The default active state is active low and the maximum input frequency is less than 2K1-Iz For pulsed input, the transient protection minimum clamp voltage is 33V, lOOmS pulse. A pulsed input allows an external metering component to periodically send a reading to the unit 110 representative of a unit of energy consumed, for example.

Interfaces 119, 120 together comprise the physical modbus RS485 interface which uses the MODBIJS RTU protocol at a bit ratc of 1200 -115200. Interface 112 provides an AC neutral connection and interface 121 provides an AC 240V live connection. A modbus RS485 intcrfacc allows up to 128 modbus mctcrs or scnsors to be connected to unit 110 and provides an input and output channel of the unit 110. Meters connected to unit 110 through the modbus interface may include, for example, those which monitor utility consumption separately from the meter from which data is input to any of interfaces 114, 116 or 117, or allow raw data input from external electricity generating apparatus, such as wind turbines and solar panels, in order to monitor the amount of electricity generated, or the amount of electricity stored after being generated by such apparatus. In the case of electricity generation, the microcontroller of unit 110 (described in more detail below) converts the raw data into readable utility data. The modbus interface can also receive electricity meter readings from an Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) approved external modbus electric meter. The MID meter provides meter readings to the unit 110 which then calculates the kilowatt peak for a photovoltaic installation over a given period. The modbus interface may also receive inputs from meters on individual appliances, in order to determine, for example, the amount of electricity a domestic appliance such as a washing machine or air conditioning unit uses. In addition, for overall utility control (as will be described below), the modbus interface may also connect to control units of the consumer's electricity, water and gas supply.

The modbus interface is also used to control operation, where appropriate, of connected apparatus or appliances. For example, as will be described in further detail below, in order to more effectively use and distribute electricity to meet demand or more effectively manage power loads, a distribution network operator may directly instruct, via the unit 110, the input of electricity to the transmission grid which has been generated locally by domestic solar panels. Through the modbus interface, the unit 110 instructs a control unit of solar panel apparatus to inhibit or prevent electricity generated by the apparatus to be input to the grid.

This may be necessary where, for example, the transmission grid is close to, or at, critical load, and further power input may result in overload. The modbus interface therefore facilitates one-way or two-way communication between unit devices connected to unit 110 and a remote server of the DNO.

The modbus interface is controlled by a microcontroller (not shown) of unit 110. The microcontroller is a microchip having a flash memory of 64K and intemal SRAM of up to 8K. Its operating temperature is -40 to +85C and it has an operating frequency of 8MHz.

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software runs on the microcontroller. The microcontroller collects data input from interfaccs 114 to 122 and is programmed to instruct the sending of data received via all or some of interfaces 114 to 122 to a remote server. The microcontroller is programmed to send data from configurable inputs 114, 116 and 117 (which may collect water, gas and electricity metering data) directly and in real time to a utility supplier for billing and monitoring purposes. In an alternative embodiment, the data is sent from the unit 110 to a remote server for each utility, or to a single remote server for all utilities (in the case that the remote server is maintained by a third party, for example) as well as being sent to the utility service provider.

Unit 110 houses at least two printed circuit boards which lie adjacent one another. Each PCB provides internal interfaces which provide connectivity between its components and components external of unit 110. In alternative embodiments, unit 110 contains a single PCB or three or more PCBs. Side views of the printed circuit boards showing representations of some features which provide power and communication connections are shown in Figures 4 and 5 respectively.

S

With reference to Figure 4, PCB 400 comprises cut-out section 401 which allows safe and isolated operation of the AC mains operation. The cut out section 401 of PCB 400 is aligned with the power PCB 500 (described below with reference to Figure 5) which comprises the AC mains power suppiy connection. Adjacent to section 401 is internal bus connector 402 which facilitates friture module expansion by allowing connection between unit 110 and other similar units, as will be further described below. Switch 407 and its electrical interface allows power onioff switching of unit 110 such that, during installation in a consumer unit of unit 110, the unit 110 may be safely mounted by an engineer. When installation of the unit is complete, the engineer can switch the switch 407 to on'. Switch 407 is positioned at edge 408 of PCB 400 such that when PCB is housed in unit 110 the switch is adjacent to the front panel 118. The location of the switch in a corner of the PCB as shown in Figure 4 minimises its possible effects on RF propagation from the antenna.

Antenna 406 is also located at the edge 408 of PCB 400 such that when the PCB 400 is housed in unit 110 the antenna lies close to front panel 118. As described above, front panel 118 is exposed when the unit 110 is installed in a consumer unit and therefore antenna unit is located close to the front of the consumer unit. Antenna 405 is distanced along the edge of PCB from switch 407. The position of the antenna 406 near the edge of the PCB 400 rninirnises interference which may be caused by other components in unit 110. The antenna 406 is configured to emit radiation within the GSM signal band of 750 MHz to 2.4 GHz.

The PCB 400 was designed around the usc of this type of antenna, with antenna and PCB tuned for optimum performance. As such the PCB is specially adapted to make it suitable for use with the antenna. The various cut-outs (described below) are provided to enhance antenna performance within the PCB. The antenna 406 sends and receives RF signals to and from a remote server of a utilities provider and/or a DNO, the signals representing metering data, instructions, etc. as will be described below. In an alternative embodiment, the unit 110 comprises an Ethernet connection interface instead of, or in addition to, the antenna to provide for wired connection to a local area network. The antenna 406 provides an input and output channel by which the unit 110 can send and receive electricity data to and from a remote server for billing, monitoring and control purposes.

A modem (not shown) to encode and decode the sent and received signals respectively is also housed in unit 110 and is an integrated quad band GSM/GPRS modem. An exemplary modem is a Telit Model No: GE 865 QUAD having frequency: EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, output power: Class 4 (2W) @ 850/900MHz Class 1 (1W) @ 1800/1900MHz and is type approved: R&TTE, CE, GCF, FCC, PTCRB, IC. The modem has an embedded TCP/IP stack, including TCP, IP, UDP, SMTP, ICMP and FTP protocols, and an extended temperature: -40 to +85C (operational). Antenna 406 conforms to the specific modem type at OdBi.

A micro Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for identifying and authenticating an individual unit can be housed within card holder 405 which provides a micro 3FF SIM card interface configured to receive a permanent micro SIM. The use of a micro SIM reduces space. The contact material is phosphor bronze and the contact plating is gold over nickel. The card holder material is a high temperature thermoplastic having an extended temperature of-40 to +85C (operational). The number of mating cycles is greater than 5,000. In an alternative embodiment, the SIM card is removable.

Unit 110 also comprises an external GSM antenna interface which facilitates external antenna cable to be connected to unit 110. This allows the RF antenna function to be displaced from the installed position (i.e. the location of the RF antenna when the unit 110 is mounted in a consumer unit and the consumer unit is installed) in order to ovcrcomc a lack of signal or mitigate signal problems (by, for example, moving it from a screened environment caused by a Faraday cage).

Interface 403 is positioned in the corner of PCB 400 and allows for digital or analogue (0- 1OV) input for connection to an external device (such as a PC, an analogue pulse utility meter, a level sensor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) device or a 4-2OmA sensor conditioner, a thermocouple, an analogue level sensor, an analogue tilt sensor, a radiance light sensor for example). Such connections are supported by the microcontroller.

With reference to Figure 5, power supply PCB 500 and PCB 400 are complementarily stacked' together in unit 110. PCB 500 comprises capacitor 502 which is cut-out within the PCB and which acts as a mains smoothing-out capacitor. The cut-out allows for fitment to the size and dimensions of the PCB 500 within the unit 110. Located centrally on the PCB 500 is cut-out section 503 which receives internal bus connection 402 of PCB 400 to allow for modular interfaces to be connected to unit 110. Flyback transformer 501 for AC mains to low voltage DC is isolated from other components, to provide 10KV isolation between AC mains and the accessible interfaces of unit 110 for safety. The shape of PCB 500 and arrangement of its components maximises RE antenna propagation across quad OSM bands (750- 1900MHz) as discussed above. The unit 110 is configured to receive switch mode regulator power supply type having a voltage input range of 85V to 26W mains and a maximum 5 W power consumption.

The unit 110 can act as a master unit to any data logging slave' units. When used as a master' unit (its default operation) the unit 10 can co-ordinate and retrieve data from up to seven connected slave units and send the data to the remote server periodically or continually using the GPRS communication medium. The slave units will be described in more detail below.

Referring to Figure 6, a number of slave' units 611, 612, 613, 614, 615 and 616 can be connected in series to unit 610 via bus connector 402 as shown in Figure 3. Bus connector 402 facilitates an electrical connection between unit 610 and unit 611. The connection is achieved by the insertion of pins located on unit 611 into corresponding engagement recesses on unit 110. Similarly, units 611 to 616 have an internal bus connector on one side of their housing and pins on opposite side such that all or some of units 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615 and 616 can be daisy-chained' together conveniently.

Unit 611 is a battery back up with switchable AC mains control for controlling large fuse board ring circuits for dynamic control of mains supply (as discussed further below). Unit 611 also provides critical mains failure alerting features. Unit 612 is wider than units 610, 611, 614, 615 and 616 and is an auxiliary power pack for providing adequate power to sensors or meters interfaced to each of the other units. Unit 614 comprises a wireless (low power radio) interface to remote wireless sensors or meters (for example, smart meters which are installed on individual appliances), operating at 173, 433, 868 and 2400 MHz. As can be seen from Figure 6, an Ethernet and a USB 2.0 port are located on thc front panel of unit 614 and allow for connection to a local area network and serial connection to another device respectively. Unit 615 comprises a power line transmission hub which is able to communicate with and control remote sockets in a building, where each socket has a unique IP address. A S USE port is also located on the front panel of unit 615. Unit 616 is a data logger which stores data received by each of the other units 611 to 615 and comprises 6 input channels, each of which can be configured to be analogue (0-bY), or digital (on/off, pulse counting, frequency measurement, increased meter interface or multiple critical mains failure detect). Two USB ports are also located on the front panel of unit 616. Status lights are visible on the front panels of each ofunits 611, 612, 614, 615 and 616. Whilst USE 2.0 ports are shown in Figure 6, it will be appreciated that other ports may be used, such as firewire ports.

Unit 610 (corresponding to unit 110 as described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3) in conjunction with units 613 and 614, can provide frill home automation and appliance control.

For example, remote control of appliances through dynamic demand response is facilitated by wireless transmission of requests from unit 110, which sends instructions to a washing machine (for example), via unit 613 to control operation of the machine accordingly. Mains socket control is achieved by unit 614 to control power to appliances or devices connected to mains supply through the sockets.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a smart energy system 700 facilitated by unit 110. There is shown a unit 710 (as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6), secure server 714, domestic and industrial utilities 716, 717, 718 and renewable electricity generation sources 710 and 720. Sources 710 and 720 can contribute power to power grid 721 and utility 718 can draw power from power grid 721. As described above, unit 710 can communicate with server 714 and utilities 716, 717, 718 and renewable energy sources 710 and 720. In addition, the unit 710 is also in communication with a smart TV 711 and computer based applications 712, which may reside on connected PCs, for example, via a wired or wireless local area connection.

The metering data relating to utilities 716, 717 and 718, as well as generated electricity data from sources 719 and 720 is collected is stored on the remote server and can be viewed securely by web access (from PCs, tablet and smart phone using appropriate user interfaces or applications) to allow consumers to monitor their utility usage and electricity generation.

The remote sen-er or servers also provide the ability for a utilities provider to convey billing or tariff information to a consumer. Alternatively or in addition, inputs from devices (not shown in Figure 7) connected to the modbus interface are also accessible to a consumer on the remote server via secure web access. For example, the amount of electricity which has been input to an electricity transmission grid over a period of time is provided to the electricity supplier and is used to calculate an offsetting to be applied to the consumer's electricity bill. Data collected by unit 110 can also be sent locally via a wired or wireless connected to a domestic metering unit which provides a display on which the data can be viewed.

Data indicative of the amount of electricity generated (by sources 719 and 720) and consumed (by utility 718) is sent to to unit 110 which is configured to forward data to one or more of the secure servers 714 to be received by the electricity supply company and/or distribution network operator (DNO) or independent distribution network operator (IDNO).

This allows to the DNO to identi' trends in electricity usage and generation which can be used to more effectively operate a transmission grid. Depending on current or predicted levels of electricity consumption, the DNO may send instructions (via servers 714) to unit 110 which instructs unit 110 to control operation of a control unit of electricity generation sources 719, 720, so as to control the amount of power input to the grid (below substation level), or to control the amount of electricity produced. This may be because the power grid is nearing or has reached a predetermined overload condition. The DNO may also instruct the unit 110 to limit usage of electricity between particular hours when supply is reduced, or employ demand response mechanisms for electrically powered systems to manage grid conditions.

Data indicative of consumption and generation may be shared by utilities suppliers and DNOs. This data can be used to instruct unit 110 to restrict, for example, gas usage between particular hours of the day when electricity prices are cheapest or electricity demand is low), restrict electricity usage when electricity prices and demand is high, or to encourage electricity usage in favour of gas usage when there is a surplus of power available. Tariff information, and preferably demand/usage information, can be sent to the unit 110 to instruct car charging, for example, to specific times of day.

As discussed above, unit 110 facilitates two-way communication between utilities sen-ice providers and the unit 110, as well as two-way communication between the consumer and a DNOs. Unit 110 send mctcring data and gcncratcd clcctricity data to utilities providers and receives tariff or instructions from utilities providers. Electricity generation and consumption data is used by the DNO to control the amount input to the grid and distribute that power more effectively.

Unit 110 may also be installed at a substation and monitor the amount of energy put into the grid which has been generated below' the substation level, fbr example by individual consumers or businesses. This power may be transferred or exchanged between different regions and different DNO's when, lbr example, power demand in a particular region is high, yet there is a surplus of power in another region due to local electricity generatiot

Claims

Claims 1. A telemetry device, comprising at least one input channel arranged to receive electricity data, at least onc output channel arranged to send electricity data, wherein the device is configured to be mountable on a mounting rail of a consumer control unit of a distribution board.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the dimensions and shape of the device is such that the device is configured to be mounted on a mounting rail adjacent to a miniature circuit breaker mounted on the mounting rail.
3. The device of claim I or 2, wherein the mounting rail is a DIN rail.
4. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a modem arranged to decode data received by the device and encode data sent by the device.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the modem is a GPRS quad band modem.
6. The device of claim 4 or 5, ifirther comprising a micro SIM card holder arranged to place a micro SIM in communication with the modem..
7. Thc dcvicc of any prcccding claim, ffirthcr comprising an antenna.
8. The device of claim 7, comprising an attachment formation for attachment to a mounting rail of a consumer unit, in which the antenna is positioned at an opposite side of the device to the attachment formation.
9. The device of claim 8, frirther comprising a front panel arranged to face away from the attachment formation, wherein the antenna is located proximate the front panel.
10. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one input channel is arranged to receive electricity metering data from a metering device.
11. Thc device of claim 10, wherein thc at least onc output channel is arranged to send electricity metering data to a remote server.
12. The device of any of claims I to 9, wherein the at least one input channel is arranged to receive data indicative of generated or stored electricity from a local electricity generation apparatus.
13. The device of any of claims I to 9, wherein the at least one input channel is configured to receive electricity data from a remote server.
14. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a further input channel arranged to receive natural gas or water metering data.
15. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a microcontroller.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to control consumption of electricity based on the received electricity data.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the electricity data is tariff data, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to control consumption of electricity based upon a the received tariff information.
18. Thc device of claim 16, whcrcin thc electricity data is control data, and wherein thc microcontroller is configured to control local generation of electricity based on the received control data.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the electricity data is control data, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to control feed-in of locally generated electricity into the local grid based on the received control data.
20. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one interface which is configured to communicably connect the telemetry device with a second device mounted on a mounting rail of a consumer control unit
21. The device of claim 20, in which the interface is configured to communicably connect the telemetry device with an adjacent, second device mounted on the mounting rail, the interface being part of a hardwired plug / socket connection.
22. The device of daim 21, in which the unit comprises a removable cover to s&ectiv&y cover the interface.
23. The device of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the internal interface comprises a bus connector.
24. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising an external interface suitable for connection to an external GSM antenna.
25. A device configured to be mountable on a mounting rail of a consumer control unit of a distribution board and communicably connectable to a device according to any of claims 1 to 24.
26. The device of claim 25, comprising a battery, and switchable mains AC control means for controlling fuse board rings, wherein the device is configured to provide an alert of critical mains failure.
27. The device of claim 25, comprising an auxiliary power pack configured to provide power to sensors interfaced to one or more other units communicably connected to the telemetry unit.
28. The device of claim 25, comprising a wireless interface configured to transfer data received via the wireless interface to a telemetry unit according to any one of claims I to 24.
29. The device of claim 25, comprising a power line transmission hub configured to transfer data received via the power line transmission hub to the telemetry device according to any one of claims I to 24.
30. A consumer unit comprising a telemetry device according to any of claims Ito 24.
31. A consumer unit according to Claim 30, comprising a cover defining an aperture, in which a part of the telemetry device is exposed through the aperture in use.
32. An energy management system, comprising: a local electricity generation system comprising at least one of: an electricity generation apparatus; and, a feed-in system for feeding electricity generated by a local electricity generation apparatus into a grid, a local control device arranged to communicate with the local electricity generation system and a remote server, wherein the control device is configured to receive instructions from the remote server and to control the local electricity generation system to control the amount of electricity input into the electricity transmission grid.
33. An energy management system according to claim 32 in which the local control device comprises a device according to any of claims 1 to 24 in which the input channel is configured to receive the instructions from the remote server, and the output channel is configured to provide a control signal to the electricity generation system.
34. An energy management system according to claim 32 or 33 in which the remote server is configured to issue instructions to reduce the amount of electricity fed into the grid responsive to a grid overload condition.
35. An energy management system according to any of claims 32 to 34 in which the local electricity generation system comprises an electricity generation apparatus, and the local control device is arranged to control the amount of electricity produced by the electricity generation apparatus.
36. An energy management system according to any of claims 32 to 34 in which the local electricity generation system comprises a feed-in system, and the local control device is arranged to control the amount of electricity transmitted to the grid by the feed-in system.
37. The energy management system according to any of claims 32 to 36, wherein the electricity generation apparatus comprises a domestic solar panel or a domestic wind turbine.
38. A method of controlling electricity generation, comprising the steps of: monitoring the condition of an electricity generation grid in which electricity is both consumed and locally generated, in response to an overload condition of the grid, transmitting data from the remote server to a local control unit associated with a local electricity generation system to reduce the electricity fed into the grid.
39. The method of claim 38 comprising the steps of monitoring electricity used in the grid, monitoring electricity fed into the grid by local electricity generation, identifting a grid overload condition as a predetermined surplus of generated electricity input into the grid as compared to electricity used from the grid.
40. The method of claim 38 comprising the steps of monitoring the local output voltage of the grid, identi'ing a grid overload condition as a rise in the output voltage of the grid above a predetermined level.
41. An energy management system, comprising: a local electricity consumption system comprising at least one of: an electrically powered device; and, a local electricity supply system configured to supply electricity to an electrically powered device from a grid, a local control device arranged to communicate with the local electricity consumption system and a remote server, wherein the local control device is configured to receive electricity data from the remote server and to control the local electricity consumption system to control the amount of electricity drawn from the electricity transmission grid.
42. An energy management system according to claim 41 in which the local control device comprises a device according to any of claims 1 to 24 in which the input channel is configured to receive thc electricity data from thc remote server, and the output channel is configured to provide a control signal to the electricity consumption system.
43. An energy management system according to claim 41 or 42 in which the remote server is configured to issue instructions to increase the amount of electricity drawn from the grid responsive to a grid overload condition.
44. An energy management system according to any of claims 41 to 43 in which the local electricity generation system comprises an electrically powered device, and the local control device is ananged to control the amount of electricity consumed by the electrically powered device.
45. An energy management system according to any of claims 41 to 43 in which the local electricity generation system comprises a local electricity supply system, and the local control device is ananged to control the amount of electricity drawn from the grid by the local electricity supply system.
46. The energy management system according to claim 45, wherein the local electricity supply system comprises a smart socket configured to receive a domestic plug.
47. A method of controlling electricity generation, comprising the steps of monitoring the condition of an electricity generation grid in which electricity is both consumed and locally generated, in response to an overload condition of the grid, transmitting data from the remote server to a local control unit associated with a local electricity generation system to increase the energy drawn from the grid.
48. The method of claim 47 comprising the steps of: monitoring electricity used in the grid, monitoring electricity fed into the grid by local electricity generation, identif4ng a grid overload condition as a predetermined surplus of generated electricity input into the grid as compared to electricity used from the grid.
49. The method of claim 47 comprising the steps of monitoring the local output voltage of the grid, identifying a grid overload condition as a rise in the output voltage of the grid above a predetermined level
50. The method of any of claims 41 to 50 in which the electricity data is tariff data, and the local control device is configured to increase electricity consumption as the cost of electricity decreases.
51. A telemetry device or consumer unit as herein described with reference to, or as shown in, one or more of the accompanying figures.
52. An energy management system as herein described with reference to, or as shown in, one or more of the accompanying figures.
53. A method of controlling electricity generation as herein described with reference to, or as shown in, one or more of the accompanying figures.